Day out at the coast with easy train access

[Hersetta]

Freind of mine at work wants a day out at the coast tomorrow to give his boys a day in the fresh air and wants somewhere with good train links from London where the train station is near the seafront (therefore Brighton has been dismissed). Any ideas for Essex, kent coast etc?

Margate train station is the nearest I know of nearest a seafront but I would recommend Whitstable. Take the Victoria to Ramsgate train takes about 1 and a half hours.

Portsmouth harbour station is located at gunwharf quays, close to the see, but the main sea front is walkable

Whitstable is lovely or head to Essex, get the train to Chalkwell (2 stops before Southend) and you can walk all the way to Southend along the seafront.

Another vote for Portsmouth Harbour. I think the naval dockyard (right by the station) is one of the best days out going with kids. You can also go up the Spinnaker Tower and there are lots of great places to eat - all a stones throw from the station.